Gutter Cleaning Guide for Madison Homeowners

Gutters are one of the most overlooked parts of home maintenance in Madison. They're out of sight and out of mind — until water starts pouring over the sides during a storm or ice dams form on your roof in January. Regular gutter cleaning protects your home's foundation, siding, and landscaping.

1. Why Gutter Maintenance Matters

Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and pool around your foundation. In Madison's freeze-thaw winters, this water can expand and crack foundation walls. Overflowing gutters also erode landscaping, stain siding, and create breeding grounds for mosquitoes in summer.

2. When to Clean Gutters in Madison

Madison homeowners should clean gutters at least twice a year:

• Late spring (May–June): After tree seeds, pollen, and spring debris have finished falling
• Late fall (November): After the last leaves have dropped but before the first hard freeze

If you have many oak trees near your home, add a third cleaning in early March — oaks hold their leaves through winter and drop them in spring.

Warning: Dane County averages 45 inches of snow per year. Clogged gutters in winter are the #1 cause of ice dams, which can cost thousands in roof repairs.

3. Signs Your Gutters Need Attention

• Water overflowing during rain
• Sagging or pulling away from the fascia
• Plants or seedlings growing in the gutter
• Staining or mildew on your siding
• Basement moisture or foundation cracks

4. DIY vs. Professional Cleaning

DIY risks: Ladder falls are responsible for over 500,000 emergency room visits per year in the US. Two-story homes are particularly dangerous. Professional service: A pro gutter cleaning in Madison typically costs $95–$175 and includes downspout flushing and a visual roof inspection.

5. Consider Gutter Guards

If you're tired of cleaning gutters twice a year, gutter guards can dramatically reduce debris buildup. Micro-mesh guards work best for Madison's mix of leaves, pine needles, and seed pods. They're not maintenance-free, but they extend the time between cleanings significantly.

6. Need Professional Help?

TotalGuard Yard Care provides professional gutter cleaning and gutter guard installation throughout Madison, Middleton, Verona, and all of Dane County. Our team handles everything safely from proper equipment — no ladders for you. Schedule your gutter cleaning today.